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Aetna (NYSE: AET) and Orlando Health today announced an accountable care collaboration and the introduction of Aetna Whole Health ^SM - Orlando, a new commercial health care product. Available in the greater Orlando area, the product will offer employers a health care model designed to improve quality, efficiency and the patient experience, as well as control costs. Companies can save up to 15 percent when compared to Aetna's broad network plans.

Aetna Whole Health ^SM - Orlando will be available to fully insured and self-funded employers with more than 100 employees in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, starting June 1 and to employers with 5-100 employees, July 1.

Aetna Whole Health - Orlando provides member-focused doctor-driven health care, designed to help companies achieve cost savings, while also:

• Delivering a more coordinated, personalized health care experience for members;
• Providing patients with comprehensive care management programs; and
• Supporting effective patient and primary care doctor relationships.

"While most would agree that our current health care system needs to evolve, it's not easy to find health systems who are willing to shift their focus and make a meaningful investment towards this transformation," said Christopher Ciano, president of Aetna's operations in Florida.

"But that isn't the case with Orlando Health. They deeply understand the importance of a holistic, integrated care model that emphasizes quality and health outcomes, over quantity. We're looking forward to working with Orlando Health to advance the delivery of care in this community."

New payment agreements reward improvements in quality and costs of care

The agreement features a new payment model to reward providers for meeting quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction measures including:

• The percentage of Aetna members who get recommended preventive care and screenings;

• Better management of patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart failure;

• Reductions in avoidable hospital readmission rates; and
• Reductions in emergency room visits.

This type of payment agreement helps doctors shift their focus from providing reactive care as patients come into their office to proactively addressing each patient's health needs. It also amplifies caregiving efforts, as providers evolve from treating individual cases to addressing their entire patient population.

"We know that providing patients with high quality, coordinated care leads to better outcomes, a more positive patient experience, and improved management of medical costs," said Michael Stubee, Orlando Health's chief operating officer, managed care.. "Orlando Health has some of the highest quality metrics in the region and a comprehensive network of providers and facilities that, we believe, will significantly benefit Aetna member-employers and individuals."

With Aetna Whole Health^SM - Orlando, Aetna members will have access to highly coordinated care from approximately 2,700 providers, which includes more than 400 primary care physicians and 2,300 specialists, eight hospitals and nearly a dozen urgent care centers and walk-in clinics.

Aetna is working with health care organizations nationwide to develop products and services that support value-driven, patient-centered care for health care consumers.